Should we fear China?

[dave_c]

They're rapidly becoming the next superpower yet it seems they're also a rogue state, they're still communist, still appear to oppose human rights and still very much in good relation with North Korea. But are they are threat to the world community?

[Big Al1st]

Yes!

[rugeleyboy]

without a shadow of a doubt!!

there will be a code one day on a friday night and half of britain will die of severe gastro interitus!!

[Nummy]

watch 'China' on BBC2 tonight at 9pm...that'll give you more information about the politicaland economical developments...and may hint at whether we should be afraid or not.

[jake-the-peg]

You're very sure they're a "rogue state".

Dictionary.com defines this as a Third World state that possesses weapons of mass destruction and sponsors terrorism.

Is this what you mean if not what is your definition?

Obviously they possess WMDs - but if this is your definition can you tell us why you think they sponsor terrorism?

Or is it that you consider any communist state to be "rogue"?

[Lonnie]

I served in Hong Kong, over thirty years ago, and dealt at that time with mainland Chinese. at the time, they were building an underground Peking, in preperation for future wars.

Ever since, its been 'reds under the bed', from certain people, but watch out, they do whatever they feel they need to do, everyone has their eye on the Middle East, but in reality, its the Far East that needs watching.

[dave_c]

When I mean 'rogue' I don't necessarily mean a state that would sponsor terrorism, I mean 'rogue' as in 'loose cannon' for example.

[Trotbot]

Loose cannon in the way that the US isn't?

[jake-the-peg]

I have to agree with Lonnie.

The real problem with China is that their size and rate of development is going to put them into conflict with us in the West as they demand a greater share of the world's resources - especially oil.

I don't think they are any more of a loose canon or "rogue" than many countries - In fact given our involvement in Iraq that charge is as easily levelled at the UK!

They were (last time I checked) number 1 on Amnesties human rights abusers list but I think Saudi was number 2 and they're our mates!

It is a bit academic though, they pay scant attention to the US, they'll pay none to the UK, there's no common European foreign policy so I doubt there's much we can do about it.

Supposedly Napoleon said: "China is a sleeping giant. But when she awakes the world will tremble."

[MacGuffin]

They haven't qualified for the World Cup, have they?

[Drusilla1S]

If there is a threat from China, I don't think it will be a military one. The Chinese have never shown an interest in being a maritime Empire and have contented themselves by expanding their land borders in a similar manner to Russia.

Like Russia and India, it would be wrong to view China as a single entity. It is made up of people of varying, diverse religious and cultural traditions and like Russia, there is always the possibility of internal conflict. (Rarely reported in the west.)

China's economic might is the threat to western dominance and as she grows more powerful, she will be less inclined to restrain her expansion into European and American markets.

The Chinese model of economic liberalism accompanied by very limited social freedoms may also become the new form of democracy adopted by our governments. Think Singapore!

It's also worth noting that the USA is massively in debt and guess which nation has been buying up that debt like some dodgy, international loan shark?